Vintage early/mid 1970s. This is an extremely unique creature! It uses
1/4" open reel video tape. Compatible with the Roberts and other Akai VTR's
that follow. Note that the reel platters are on different planes (levels).
This allows the reels to overlap each other. This machine can take up to
a 10. 5" reel of 1/4" tape giving it a 90 minute running time. Long enough
to record a whole movie! The first photo is what I like to call a "glamour"
shot. The second photo is a close-up of the tape threading path diagram
from the inside of the front cover. This unit stands about 19" tall and
weighs in at a hefty 45 pounds. After receiving
my machine from an eBay auction, I threaded up a tape and the darn thing
played it OK ~ sort of ~ mostly. It records too. I recorded multiburst,
a test signal that is used to measure frequency response. Needless to say,
this format is not the highest performing, but it makes usable pictures
with just over 2 Mhz of

bandwidth. This translates to
roughly 190 lines of horizontal resolution (not be confused with scanning
lines). Final conclusion: this deck will need a good cleaning, all of its
electrolytic capacitors replaced, and a total mechanical tune up. But,
compared to recent acquisitions, this one is a winner! Since getting
this machine, I have received several requests for tape dubs. Apparently,
a lot of people shot home movies and live sporting events with their very
portable Akai 1/4" video equipment. Once this machine is fully restored
(very soon I hope), I will be pleased to dub your tapes to VHS. If you
have any service tips to offer, feel free to contact me at [THIS
EMAIL ADDRESS].